In December 2023, local jewelry brand M + H Beads — who is also a part of our Six & Main storefront — signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Centre soccer player Emma Bryant .
So, how did a unique partnership like this come to be? Enter: The 1926 Collective, a first-of-its-kind initiative focused on connecting female athletes at Centre College to NIL opportunities.
The 1926 Collective is completely volunteer led, founded by teammates + alumni of the Centre College soccer program.
“We were adamant that this was a female-driven + female-focused NIL collective, because we’re proud female professionals, mothers, and support female-owned businesses,” said co-founder Kate Dieruf. “We also believe that our college careers in the athletic department helped mold us into who we are today.”
Fun fact: Centre College was an all-male school when it was originally founded in 1820. The school became co-ed in 1926, becoming inspiration for the collective’s name.
It’s a win-win when small businesses partner with hometown celebrities. | Photo provided by The 1926 Collective
Current deals + future hopes
The collective is also unique through its career-centric approach. Not only do they pair athletes with brands or businesses in a field they might be interested in, they also host brand awareness training + workshops.
The majority of the deals at this level are focused on brand awareness through social media or event appearances. Some of the current deals with Centre athletes include:
- Besten and Dieruf, PLLC
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass
- Finn’s Ice Cream Shop
- M&H Beads
- The Centre Field Lofts
- The Hearing & Speech Center
Get involved
The 1926 Collective welcomes businesses interested partnering with Centre athletes to email the organization . The community can also become members of the collective via financial contributions. The contributions will go towards operational costs + to fund NIL deals between The 1926 Collective and the athletes.